Calluses are patches of thick skin caused by friction and they can be a literal pain. They often occur on hands and feet and, while normally harmless, can become infected if not treated. While doctors can treat calluses with specialty shavers, acids, or a pumice stone, there are also home remedies people have used to treat calluses using simple items found around the house.

1. Crush some aspirin.

Adding baking soda to a foot bath can help heal calluses, but there is a less messy way. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to your calluses regularly until they heal.

3. Soak in some tea.

Wearing shoes that don’t fit. Sometimes, we feel like Cinderella when we find shoes that fit us perfectly, but other times, they don’t fit as they should and we develop calluses. If the shoe is too big, your foot can slide and rub against the fabric; but if it’s too small, it can get squished and rub against an inner stitch. You can prevent calluses by giving your toes room — try wiggling them; if you can’t, then the shoes are too tight for you. Also, if you use orthotics and inserts, take them with you when you go shoe shopping. Remember that Cinderella’s slippers fit her perfectly.Wearing high-heels for long periods of time. High-heels are great because they make you look taller, but they can also cause calluses. This type of shoe puts too much pressure on your toes and can cause women to have more feet problems than men.Not wearing socks. The friction between the shoe and the sock keeps your feet from moving around too much. If you choose not to wear socks, the friction will happen between your foot and the shoe.

Bonus: Is going to the doctor to remove my calluses necessary?

Usually, once we’ve identified the cause of a callus, we can keep it from getting bigger on our own. If we fix the problem, the callus can disappear with our help, but treating it at home can be risky for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.

Visiting the doctor is a good idea if you have any of the following conditions: diabetes, delicate skin, conditions with an increased risk of infection, if the callus hurts, if you have abnormal bone structure, or if home treatments aren’t working.

Do you know any hacks, especially home remedies, that can help treat calluses or corns? Let us know!

Please note: This article was updated in November 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.